Conversations on: diaspora Cypriot identity - Chriso Ioannou - Cypriot Wine Festival

For the last episode of the season, plase enjoy a live recording from the Proud Voices panel discussion at the Cyprus High Commission in London to celebrate Pride month. 

On the panel:
Andreas Pavlou - co-founder of the LGBTQ+ UK Cypriot Diaspora Network
Ali Orhan - public health executive specialising in cancer prevention, HIV and sexual health
Bahriye Kemal - senior lecturer in Contemporary and Postcolonial Literature at Kent University
Sophia Vi - actor, dancer, model, writer and Director of Koupepia Films Ltd.

Thank you to the Cyprus High Commission for having us! Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod!

TW: this episode contains language around sexual assault that some listeners may find triggering. Listener discretion is advised.  

In this episode, I am joined by Tugba Mimi. One year ago, Tugba was a victim of r*pe in Cyprus. She is now using her platform to raise awareness about violence against women on the island. Tugba tells me why what she experienced is a Cypriot issue, how the partition of Cyprus is preventing people from getting the justice they deserve, and how she is now using her voice to help others and reclaim her own power.

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In this episode, I am joined by freelance artist and tourist guide Serap Kanay. Serap's work focusses on archival storytelling, encompassing gender, oral history, Afro-Cyprot heritage and trauma. Serap has been avidly researching Afro Cypriot heritage since the 1990’s and her work has been included in several theses. Serap tells me about the origins of Afro-Cypriots on the island, how her work is raising awareness about Afro-Cypriot heirtage, and how rising black consciousness and diversity is making Cypriots confront racism, prejudice and colourism.

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In this episode, I am joined by Andrew Avraam (@andrewavraam_photography). Andrew is an avid photographer whose work explores the abandoned places of Cyprus. On his adventures, Andrew has captured moments in time from abandoned mansions, military bases, Varosha and the UN Buffer Zone. His phorography allows for a window into the past to reveal Cyprus' history and heritage through places long forgotten.

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In this episode, I am joined by drag performer Tahini Molasses (@tahini.molasses). Tahini burst on to the London drag scene just a couple of years ago and is already making waves with their drag, inspired by Cypriot femme expression. We discuss the beauty of exploring Cypriot culture through a queer and drag lens and what it can teach us about our identity, the importance of queer Cypriot representation and learning to embrace our full selves. Tahini also tells me about their experiences moving to the UK and what being part of the diaspora here in the UK has taught them about their Cypriot identity.

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In this episode, I am joined by archaeologist Anastasia Christophilopilou, curator of Cyprus, Greece and Rome at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. She is currently leading the 4-year research project ‘Being an Islander’: Art and Identity of the large Mediterranean Islands, aiming to critically re-examine the concept of island life through material culture. Anastasia tells me all about the project’s current exhibition on display at the Fitzwilliam Museum, displaying archaeological finds and artworks from the islands of Cyprus, Sardinia and Crete. We also discuss the importance of island life in shaping Cypriot identity, and what ancient study and archaeology can tell us about present day Cyprus.

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TW: This episode discusses topics around conflict, violence and abuse which some listeners may find difficult.

In this episode, I am joined by award-winning playwright, theatre-maker, journalist, author, and writing coach Lorna V. Lorna is currently developing her solo theatre practice as part of a PhD investigating migrant heritage and displacement in solo performance. As part of this, Lorna is exploring attitudes to mental health and wellbeing in the diasporic Cypriot and Greek communities. We discuss the importance of embracing community to boost wellbeing, healing trauma through the arts, and embracing identity on your own terms.

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In this episode, I am joined by Cey Sesiguzel. Cey is a British-born Cypriot Co-Founder and Creative Director at Two Fresh, one of London's leading video production companies. Cey’s mission is to leave a legacy of powerful films that create a positive impact on society. One way he is doing this is with The Divided Island, a feature-length documentary that explores the Cyprus Problem like never before. Cey tells me how his fascination with his Cypriot heritage led him to making The Divided Island documentary, the importance of telling the story of the Cyprus Problem inin a balanced way, and what he has learnt from exploring Cyprus’ tumultuous past and present from those who have lived through it. 

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In this episode, I am joined by Dean Atta. Dean is a highly acclaimed British author and poet. Dean tells me about navigating his Cypriot, Jamaican and queer identity, the impact of a grandparent's love, finding heritage through queer Cypriot spaces and how writing about his roots affirms his identity. We also discuss Dean’s most recent collection "There Is (Still) Love Here", which is a compelling and powerful exploration of relationships, love and loss; encompassing LGBTQ+ and Black history, Greek Cypriot heritage, pride, identity and belonging.

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For the first episode of season 3, I am joined by Christina (@__christina.d), Director of Fashion Heritage Network Cyprus (FHNC). FHNC is a new pioneering platform that strives to celebrate Cypriot fashion heirtage through contemporary sustainable fashion. Christina tells me about the importance of fashion heritage in understanding Cypriot roots, how we can educate young people about fashion sustainability in a creative way, and why small acts of sustainability can bring us closer to our ancestors. Follow FHNC on Instagram @fashionheritage.cy. 

Get involved in the conversation on Instagram/Twitter @roottovinepod, and don't forget to follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode!